"Will you show me?" she asked.
"You bet I will if you've got the nerve."
"Don't trust him," warned the girls.
"I am not afraid of one small boy, especially Tom," answered Bab, with a twinkle in her eyes. "But, Master Tom, if you try to play any tricks on me it will be a sorry day for you. You can't play tricks on the 'Automobile Girls' without getting into trouble, remember. Olive, may I go?"
"Of course, if you wish," smiled Miss Presby. "I have been in there ever so many times, and"—with a blush—"I have dug and dug in there."
The girls laughed merrily, all save Bab, who was thoughtful. The impression was strong with her that somehow this passage was connected directly or indirectly with the secret of the lost treasure.
"Take a light with you. I won't go in in the dark," declared Barbara.
Tom produced a candle and lighted it. Barbara crawled into the dark hole after him. The others crowded about, peering in wonderingly.
"Close the door," commanded Tom.
Barbara pretended to do so, but left a crack through which the light from the dining room filtered faintly.